Geno Auriemma Breaks Down UConn vs. USC Showdown in Elite Eight As the UConn Huskies prepare to face the USC Trojans in the Elite Eight, legendary coach Geno Auriemma has provided his insights into what promises to be a thrilling matchup. With a Final Four berth on the line, Auriemma understands the magnitude of this game and the challenges that come with facing a team as talented as USC.Matchup Preview the UConn Huskies, a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball, have battled through injuries and adversity this season to find themselves on the brink of another Final Four appearance. Led by standout players like Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards, UConn has found ways to win despite setbacks. Meanwhile, USC boasts one of the most dominant players in the nation, freshman sensation JuJu Watkins, who has been nearly unstoppable throughout the tournament.Auriemma acknowledges that defending Watkins will be a major key to success. “She’s a special player,” he said. “You don’t see freshmen come in and take over the game the way she does. We have to make her work for everything, take away easy looks, and force others to beat us.”Defense Will Be Crucial UConn has prided itself on defense, and Auriemma believes that slowing down USC’s high-powered offense will be essential. “They can score in bunches,” he noted. “Watkins, along with their strong supporting cast, can put up points quickly. We have to control the pace and not let them get comfortable.”Auriemma will likely throw different defensive looks at Watkins, including double teams and aggressive perimeter defense to disrupt her rhythm. “You don’t stop players like her,” Auriemma admitted. “You just try to make them take tough shots and hope they don’t hit everything.”Offensive Execution on the offensive side, UConn will rely on Bueckers to lead the charge. Auriemma emphasized the importance of ball movement and efficiency against USC’s length and athleticism. “We have to move the ball and make the extra pass,” he said. “If we settle for tough shots early in the shot clock, that plays right into their hands.”Bueckers’ ability to score and facilitate will be key, and Auriemma is confident in her ability to rise to the occasion. “This is why she came to UConn—for moments like this,” he said. “She’s been in big games before, and I trust her to make the right decisions.”Battle of the Coaches the chess match between Auriemma and USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb adds another layer of intrigue. Gottlieb has done an excellent job building USC into a national contender, and Auriemma respects the job she has done. “Lindsay has them playing great basketball,” he said. “She’s got a smart team that knows how to attack weaknesses. We have to be ready for whatever they throw at us.”Final Thoughts Auriemma knows that anything can happen in March Madness, but he believes in his team’s preparation and resilience. “We’ve been through so much this season,” he said. “If we play our game, stay disciplined, and defend at a high level, we like our chances.”With two powerhouse programs colliding, the UConn vs. USC Elite Eight showdown is set to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament.
